The Compton Unified School Board trustees met on May 12th for a regular school board member. Â The hot button topic was the continued displacement of residents to make way for the expansion of Compton High School. Â Many of the residents facing displacement sought out help due to the district’s attempts to force them out to avoid paying relocation assistance.
The board of trustees approved the acquisition of multiple properties on August 14, 2019 which are detailed as: Â 301, 305, 309 and 313 W. Alondra Blvd.
Board members Micah Ali, Charles Davis, Sandra Moss, Alma Pleasant and Satra Zurita voted in favor of displacement of residents. Â Mae Thomas was absent.
Since the acquisition, residents started receiving notices to vacate in February 2020. Â The district hired a relocation consultant to draft a relocation plan that was made available to the public on June 21, 2019 prior to the August vote.
Although it was known the residents would eventually have to move, Compton Unified is being called to task for their harassment of the residents and attempts to displace them during a global health pandemic. Â It is also unknown why the residents haven’t received letters offering relocation assistance to expedite the process.
Community members are attempting to directly tie the displacement to a significant donation made by Compton native Dr. Dre for a performing arts center that will bear his name. Â Presumably the idea is for people to drive down Alondra Blvd. and see his name across the side of the building.
It is unknown if his donation was used to acquire the properties and provide relocation assistance to the residents which board president Micah Ali said could range from $12,000 to $25,000 per person during the May 12th meeting.
